Understanding your 3D printing software is just as important as understanding your printer. Your software can ultimately make or break your actual print. You might wind up using the software that is recommended by your printer’s manufacturer, but no matter your decision, there are essential parts of 3D printing software. It is helpful to know other software options that you can recommend or offer to patrons. Here are just a few options:
• Cura
• TinkerCad (a web-based 3D design service)
• SketchUp
• Fusion360
• And more!
For the purposes of this guide, we will be using Cura. Your software will look different, but many of the terms and concepts will be the same. First, let’s go over some important terms:
• Overhang
• Supports
• Infill
• Infill Pattern
• Speed
• Build Plate Adhesion
• Slice
• Cut
With some 3D printing programs, you will have to select the printer you’re working with, as well as the filament you’re using. Always take these two actions first before you import a file so that you are working with the proper amount of space, and the proper settings. Once you have taken these two steps and loaded your file, you can get started!
It is important to work carefully, and look out for any potential issues with the file you’re working with. For example, you could be working with an object that has text, but the text might not be completely attached to its base. In this case, if you missed and didn’t correct this problem by adding more supports, the print would fail. Sometimes, there are problems you just can’t see that lead to failed prints, but you can always start again, or reach out to the patron and explain the issues you are having.
3D printing programs will provide you with a scaled down workspace that can be moved to see every angle of your 3D file. Each program will have icons you can use to select a different view (Front, Top, Right, Left), but you can also use the left or right click of your mouse as well. When your design is loaded up, you just need to select it with your mouse to get started. From there, the following basic options — and more — will be available to you:
• Rotate
• Move
• Scale
When your design is the proper size and rotation, you can move on to adding a brim/skirt and supports, or make changes to the print settings. You can choose to have supports just come from the build plate only for a little extra stability, or you can have supports placed everywhere around the design. This choice will depend on the thickness of the design, and whether it has a lot of overhangs. Many programs allow you to control how thick your supports or as well; or they will auto-generate supports.
When you are satisfied with your changes, you will need to slice your print. Your program should have an option available that simply says “Slice.” Once this process is complete, you will be able to see a digital preview of how your print will look. Rotate your view around to be sure everything looks good.
You will also see approximately how long your print will take and how much filament it will use — this is an important number for pricing out how much your will charge the patron for their print.
Your final step will be to either send over your file wirelessly to your chosen 3D printer, or to save the Gcode to an SD or USB drive (depending on what your printer takes). All that’s left to do from here is start your print!